BUENOS AIRES....THE CHURCHES

You don’t have to be a Catholic to appreciate the beautiful colonial churches and cathedrals of Buenos Aires. God generally inspires some of the best architecture around, and in Buenos Aires it’s no different. The churches there were plentiful, and while I'm not religious by any means, I have always loved the grand and old architecture of the building themselves.I just always worry, you see, with my very sinful background and questionable morals, will the building withstand my presence? It's a chance I take at every wedding!

The Buenos Aires Catedral Metropolitana ,Metropolitan Cathedral, was originally built in the sixteenth century, although it has since undergone several changes and the current building was constructed in 1745. The long and varied history of the Catedral Metropolitana can be seen through its diverse architecture, ranging from its neoclassical façade designed by French architects Prosper Catelin and Pierre Benoit to its 18th century nave, dome and altars. As the main church of the Archdiocese of Buenos Aires, Catedral Metropolitana forms the center of catholic life in the city. Catedral Metropolitana contains the mausoleum of General San Martin, a central figure in Argentina’s struggle for independence from Spain. It was one of two of the most spectacular churches we saw.

Basilica de Nuestra Senora Del Pilar

Across from the famous Recoleta Cemetery where Eva Peron is buried, is this beautiful Basilica. Tourists visit the Cemetery, but very few tour the Basilica we were told, which has a lot of history of Buenos Aires. It is a well kept treasure where you find so many religious items that were used so long ago. There is a beautiful carved gold alter - it is amazing!  It is also the second oldest church in Buenos Aries.

Parroquia San Nicolas de Bari

This church has a history with an older church on this site dating back centuries. If the sunlight is good.... look at paintings here on the side on an angle and you will see gold flecks in the paintings. 2-3 small altars on the side and outside that have interesting statuary. Very, very beautiful church which is open everyday to the public.

La Plata is not the first place on a traveler’s Argentina itinerary but it’s worth the one-hour trip south of Buenos Aires to experience stunning architecture.

The Cathedral of La Plata was worth the drive alone, and is a Neogothic cathedral and is located in the city center of La Plata. The first stone was placed in 1884, but the church opened in 1932. The cathedral is known for its eight towers of different heights and its symphonic bell tower.  This was the other favorite cathedral of mine. Just soring architecture.

The San Pedro Gonzalez Telmo Church

The San Pedro Gonzalez Telmo church is also known as the Nuestra Señora de Belén church. A good church can never have too many names I say. Some Jesuits named Blanqui, Bautista, Primoli and Schmidt designed the original, and kicked off the building in 1734. That makes it one of the oldest churches in the city, but I was told not the oldest, which is the San Ignacio church. The church’s architecture was then added to and restored a few times up to the present, which accounts for it’s lovely eclectic style. By the book, its style is ‘neo-colonial,’ but can also be described by natives as a ‘fancy iced wedding cake.’ Of the smaller churches, it was by far my favorite.

 After my visits, I'm sure the good citizens of Argentina were relieved the churches were still standing. That's gotta be a testament to strength.

Up next...Eva and some water works